2008 Toyota Matrix XR 5-Spd MT

Pros

Nice ride, good handling, reliable

Cons

acceleration, interior plastic scratches easily

We have had the car for 6 months now and really enjoy it. It is spacious enough for a small family while not using too much gas like a minivan. Toyota quality and reliability is wonderful since we will be taking longer road trips to see family.

Pros

Nice seats, Good for long drives, decent gas milage

Cons

Lots of plastic noise in back, poor engine performance, boring to drive

I had a 2007 Yaris before this and it was fun to drive, had amazing gas milage but it was really small and hurt my back on long drives.

This XR has lots of bells and wistles. The cruise is nice as well as the fog lights. I was surprised that the rear window opening came in handy on our first long distance. Really packing the back was easy. The gas milage is good but the Yaris had it beat easily. It even had better inside storeage area and drink holders.

The rear cargo cover and storage compartment is just BAD! There has to be something better that this.

For a small multipurpose hauler though I think it's the answer. The toyota quality speaks for itself and I know that it will still be running 8 or maybe even 10 years from now. I am quite happy. I figure it's a good value for the money....read morehide

Pros

Good fuel economy, crisp steering, comfortable seating

Cons

Road noise, transmission shift points, options pricey

Bought this car for my wife last November who drives it mostly to and from work. Economical on gas, about 28 mpg city. Fun car to drive. Upright seating is firm but comfy. Rack and pinion steering is quite good. Seven speaker stereo is also good. It has decent acceleration for a four banger but the automatic transmission seems to upshift a bit too soon in my opinion. Road noise is sometimes annoying (we have lousy roads here). Bought all the options except the sun roof and auto-dim mirror. Like most Toyotas, the options were expensive but felt that the side curtain air bag option was a must for this kind of car. Only about 2000 miles on it...so far so good. Wife likes it....read morehide

Pros

28mpg city, very comfortable seats, good safety ratings, very visible dials

Cons

poor radio reception, no trip odometer

I just love my Matrix XR! I have a bad back; I bought this car because the lumbar support was excellent, the ride was very smooth, it had good safety ratings, and it was reasonable. I bought an automatic - engine noise is negligible. I'm very happy with it. I love how brightly the dials glow (you can dim them). I also love the outside temperature reading. The cargo space is fantastic. It is a very popular car in my area, trying to find a used one is difficult. I miss my trip odometer for calculating gas mileage and the radio gets poor reception but that's so minor, I would definitely buy another....read morehide

Pros

fuel economy, comfort in car, space in vehicle, looks

Cons

lack of standard abs, side impact air bags, drum brakes? needs a little more power,

I just got my Matrix a little over a month ago and I have put on about 3000 miles on it so far. I do a great deal of driving in my job and this car has proven to be a great choice. I am suprised that there are features such as abs and side impact airbags that are optional. There are alternates such as the Scion XB that have these items standard. What got me finally was the looks of this car. I really am looking forward to having this car with me for a while and I think it is really worth a look for anyone who wants a crossover that has utility and is just a blast to drive....read morehide

Pros

enough space, easy to drive.

Cons

turns out to be more expensive than face price, underpower, fuel economy not as good as they say.

I bouth my matrix XR 08 about 2 months ago, the car is great i love it but it is overprice, with moon roof, alloy wheels, and some other things it can cost you about 25,000 or more way more than the face price which they say it's 15,000. it is a little underpower, it does take a few seconds to reach the speed you want. Well, it is easy to drive, to park, and so far besides the cost i do like my matrix....read morehide

Pros

Good amount of storage and leg room

Cons

Too much road noise, rattles and squeeks developing in the first three months

I have owned my Matrix for roughly three months now and purchased it over the Prius as I found this to be a much more comfortable vehicle to drive but since purchasing the car I have noticed a marked increase in road noise plus the vehicle has already developed rattles in the dashboard and the moon-roof plus a squeek in the driver's seat-belt roller. In addition I have noticed that the alignment has already started to fall out of true and a decrease in gas mileage. Overall, as much as I want to love this car I am beging to have serious doubts as to the quality of my purchase....read morehide

Pros

good fuel economy, comfortable, roomy

Cons

road noise

Great mpg, plenty of room, a little road noise but can be overlooked, excellent car for a long distance driver